Gifts Fit For A Queen: The Fascinating New Display At The Palace of Holyroodhouse

View the collection of colourful gifts given to the Queen by Commonwealth countries...

The countdown to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has officially begun, and with it comes the arrival of a captivating display to mark The Queen’s role as Head of the Commonwealth. More than 70 gifts presented to Her Majesty by Commonwealth countries around the world make up the collection that now sits at The Queen’s official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Since her coronation in 1953, the Queen has visited almost every country in the Commonwealth, and the exchange of gifts between Heads of State to display friendship has been a vital part of these visits. Among the quirky collection is a shell collage from the Bahamas, a portrait by an artist from Papua New Guinea titled “Missis Kwin”, which translates as “Mrs Queen” and a coconut calabasa bowl from Belize – there’s nothing predictable about what you’ll find inside this royal residence.
The Commonwealth: Gifts to The Queen runs until 2 November 2014.

Photograph: In 1996, the people of Papua New Guinea presented The Queen with a portrait by the celebrated artist Mathias Kauage entitled Missis Kwin’, translated as ‘Mrs Queen’. A native to Papua New Guinea, Mathias Kauage was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to the arts by Queen Elizabeth II.

Royal Collection Trust /(C) All Rights Reserved.

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The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen

Photograph: This tapestry wall-hanging depicting a Union Jack and Botswana flags at the top with an extensive, tightly-packed, colourful village scene beneath was presented to The Queen by the President of Botswana in 1979. Royal Collection Trust /(C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2014.

The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen

Showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the Pacific Islands, this model catamaran style canoe with oars and fishing tackle was presented to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on behalf of The Queen during a visit to Tuvalu in September 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee. The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh originally visited the Pacific islands 30 years earlier.

The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen

This square collage made of shells with a boat on a calm blue sea and an island and palm trees was presented to The Queen in October 1985 by the people of Central Andros, the largest of the islands of the Bahamas. The picture is of Shell Creek on the island. The use of the shells reflects the island's natural habitat, which boasts the third-largest barrier reef in the world.
Photograph: Royal Collection Trust /(C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2014.

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The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen

In 1997, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh travelled to India and Pakistan to mark the 50th anniversary of Indian Independence. This tin model bus was presented to The Queen by the High Commission drivers during the state visit. It is decorated with floral and bird motifs, a picture of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh and the flags of the United Kingdom and Pakistan.
Photograph: Royal Collection Trust /(C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2014.

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The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen

This beautiful coconut calabasa bowl from Belize was presented to The Queen by the Ethnic Groups of Dangriga in 1985. The bowl is made of a coconut shell and painted with palm trees, boats and birds. Calabasa bowls of this type are used as drinking vessels, water coolers or wall decorations.

The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen

At the XVII Commonwealth Games, held in July and August 2002 in Manchester, The Queen was presented with this aluminium baton commemorating the Golden Jubilee Baton Relay. It is inscribed Uniting The Commonwealth Through Sport’.

The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen

This wooden bust of a girl, named Maria’, was presented to Her Majesty by the High Commission of Jamaica to mark the Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Photograph: Royal Collection Trust /(C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2014.

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The Commonwealth: Gifts to the Queen

During a trip to Nigeria in 1956, Her Majesty was presented with this Drum-shaped footstool, decorated with beadwork, by the Yoruba people, an ethnic group of southwestern Nigeria and southern Benin.